Faithful by Alice Hoffman is a
very unusual novel (let me be brutally honest and say it is just plain
odd). Shelby Richmond is seventeen years
old when she is in a tragic accident that puts her best friend (of a sort) in a
coma. Shelby feels survivors guilt and
does everything she can to ruin her life.
She quits going to high school, tries to kill herself, and then shaves
off all her hair. She spends the next
two years lounging in her parent’s basement watching television and getting
high (let’s not forget the smoking and junk food). The one person she talks to is Ben Mink, her pot
dealer. When Shelby is nineteen, Ben is
heading to New York for college. He is
going to become a pharmacist and asks Shelby to come with him. Shelby then wanders around New York with her
bald head (black clothes too). She
eventually gets a job at a pet store.
Ben is good for Shelby, but she refuses to see it. Shelby is still bent on self-destruction. After the accident, Shelby started receiving
postcards. Whoever is sending the
postcards is trying to help her move on.
To encourage her on the right path.
Will Shelby ever be able to move on with her life? Can she forgive herself for surviving an
accident?

Faithful, as I said, was a very peculiar
book. It is written like Shelby is
talking. The reader is subjected to
Shelby’s long, depressing narrative.
Some parts of the book are compelling, but there are many pages that
should have been tossed on the editing room floor (you get the metaphor). I felt that Faithful was not a finished
book. It is also a very dark, negative
novel. If you are a person prone to
sadness or depression, please stay clear of this novel (otherwise, you will
want to off yourself by page 75). I give
Faithful 2 out of 5 stars (like I said there are some good parts).Faithful will be released tomorrow. Please remember that this is just how I felt about the book. Every reader has a different perspective or take on a novel.

I am currently reading Deck the Hallways by Kate Carlisle. I am lucky enough to be belong to her review crew and received my copy on Saturday (the print is so tiny in the book). I am off to enjoy dinner and relax. I hope all of you have a frightful evening (you know I mean delightful). Take care and Happy Reading!KrisThe Avid Reader

Sunday, October 30, 2016

October is almost over. Only two more months left in 2016. I hope all of you are having a special weekend. I am working on my bedroom. I moved rooms almost a year ago (to be closer to my mother's room), and I am slowing making it my own. I like unique pieces. I am not the type of person you will find in Ikea. I prefer thrift stores and antique shops. That's what happens when you grow up with two aunts who own antique shops!

The Angel of Forest Hill by Cindy Woodsmall is a lovely Amish romance.
Rose Kurtz is the only daughter in the family. She has eleven brothers and their needs
dominate the household. Her mother has
never had a kind word for Rose. Then one
day the Bishop comes by to ask a very large, life altering favor from
Rose. There is a family in need in a
small Amish community. Joel Dienner just
lost his wife, Florence (died giving birth).
He needs someone to help with the children (two children in addition to
the new baby, Grace). There are only
eight families in this little Amish community.
They would love to help, but they all have their own families and
responsibilities. Because of the
circumstances, Rose would have to marry Joel.
Rose knows this is her chance to get away and she agrees. The two marry, but they each have their own
bedroom. A year later Joel is finally
starting to come alive again. Rose has been a big help with the kids and with
Joel’s business. Her suggestions have
even helped his business become profitable.
Four years later the two of them are still in separate bedrooms. But they are attracted to each other. They spend more time together and get to know
each other. Joel helps Rose overcome her
fears. Erma, Joel’s former
mother-in-law, is very nasty to Rose.
Joel talks to her and, unfortunately, lets it slip that Rose and Joel
have never consummated their marriage.
Erma hot foots it over to the Bishop to tell him. The Bishop (Joel’s father) has no choice but
to take this issue to a higher authority. Just when Rose and Joel are ready to move
forward with their relationship, they might be ripped apart. Join Rose and Joel in The Angel of Forest Hill.

The Angel of Forest Hill is a special
book. You will be drawn in right from
the beginning. The book is well-written,
has good characters, and a beautiful setting.
The story is told from Joel and Rose’s point-of-views. I give The Angel of Forest Hill 4 out of 5
stars (I liked it). It is a sweet story,
but it does have a predictable ending.
The Angel of Forest Hill is lovely book that will help you get into the
spirit of Christmas. It is a short novel
(208 pages) that can be finished in just a couple of hours. I do wish the author had provided an
epilogue. I would have liked to find out
how Rose and Joel fared. Did they have
kids? Did Rose end up having a good relationship
with her mother? There are a couple of
recipes at the end of the book.

Cindy Woodsmall has some other wonderful Christmas stories (click on her name to view some of her other novels). I look forward to reading her latest Christmas book each year. You should also check out the special Christmas novels by Melody Carlson and Sheila Roberts.

I am off to feed the cats. They get very vocal if I do not feed them when they decide it is time to eat. May you have a special Sunday evening. I will return soon with another book review. Take care and Happy Reading!

Saturday, October 29, 2016

Happy Saturday! I hope all of you are having a lovely fall Saturday. If you are looking for Halloween cozy mysteries to read (to get in the mood), I have found a list for you. Just click here. I would like to suggest Krista Davis' Murder Most Howl and The Ghost and Mrs. Mewer as well as Laura Child's Gossamer Ghost.

A Royal Christmas Wedding by
Rachel Hauck is the fourth book in the Royal Wedding series. Avery Truitt as well as her mother, Glo are
dealing with the loss of her father in St. Simons Island, Georgia. Susanna, her sister, invites them to spend
Christmas in Brighton Kingdom where she lives with her husband, King Nathaniel
III. Glo is glad to get away from the
memories and is excited to see Susanna (she is pregnant). Avery is not as excited. It has been five years since she has seen
Prince Colin Tattersall. They were in
love with each other, but Colin broke off their relationship very suddenly (and
without a decent explanation). Avery has
tried to get over him, but how do you forget your one true love.

There is a special tradition in
Brighton Kingdom that has not been observed in 182 years. At the end of the Harvest Celebration, just after
the last bell rings at midnight, a man in love can ring the Pembroke Chapel
Bell. He is announcing his intention to
woo and marry a woman on Christmas morning.
Colin has been following the path his father set out for him for the last
five years. But he is still in love with
Avery. He is in the bell tower just
before midnight and says a prayer. The
Pembroke Bell then rings by itself. This
is the sign Colin needed, and he sets out to win Avery. But Avery does not wish to come between Colin
and his father. Will there be a happily
ever after this Christmas for these two love birds?

Thank you for stopping by! I am off to eat dinner and watch the new Hallmark Christmas movie. I know it is Halloween season, but I cannot resist Christmas movies! May all of you have a wonderful evening, and I will see you tomorrow. Take care and Happy Reading!

Friday, October 28, 2016

I hope all of you had a good day. I spent the day doing some work around the house. We have so much work to do on our home (home ownership is not for the weak). I am currently clearing out my studio (I am selling it off). I should be done by 2018 at my current pace!

Dangling by a Thread by Lea Wait
is the fourth book in A Mainely Needlepoint Mystery series. Angie Curtis has been back in Haven Harbor,
Maine for three months. She is the
manager of her grandmother’s business, Mainely Needlepoint. Angie is out early one morning, and she
notices a stranger docking a skiff.
Angie has not seen this man before and follows him as he goes about his
duties (does anyone else find this odd).
After some inquiries, Angie finds out that he is called The Solitary. He lives on King’s Island and only comes to
Haven Harbor every couple of months for supplies. His real name is Jesse Lockhart, an Iraq
veteran who was injured in Afghanistan.
Jesse is friends with Mainely Needlepointer, Dave Percy (met in rehab). Jesse needs the quiet of the island, and he
feels he is protecting the Great Cormorants that nest on King’s Island. The Great Cormorants are a threatened species
(just before extinct). They need a
certain type of environment to thrive, and King’s Island is perfect for
them. A big yacht has docked in Haven
Harbor. It belongs to Gerry and June
Bentley. They have decided that King’s
Island is perfect for a vacation home.
Jesse does not wish to sell the island.
Unfortunately, he jointly owns the island with his cousin, Simon. Gerry Bentley flies in Simon to woo him into
selling. They want to have Jesse
declared incompetent so Simon can sell the island to Gerry. When the hear what Gerry and Simon are up to,
they head out to King’s Island to warn Jesse.
Jesse is on high alert and shoots an arrow at Dave (into his leg). The police go out the next day with Angie and
find Jesse dead. Jesse did not deserve
to die in this manner. He was a quiet
man who was just trying to protect some birds.
Angie is determined to find Jesse’s killer. Dave, Angie and friends are also working to
protect the island from being developed.
Will they succeed in their endeavors?

Dangling by a Thread can be read
alone. Lea Wait updates the readers on
what happened in the previous novels. I must
admit that this was not my favorite book in the series. I thought too many pages were devoted to
Angie’s thinking and contemplating about life, living alone, the antics of her
new kitten, and Patrick West (the man she would like to date). I thought the concept for Dangling by a
Thread was a bit weak. Angie had just
met Jesse, but she dives in to save his island and solve his murder. A majority of the book is devoted to
friendship, family, and Angie’s interest in Patrick West. I give Dangling by a Thread 3 out of 5 stars
(I am being a little generous). The
murderer was obvious. One little statement
gives away the identity of the killer.
Some information is repeated a few times (and it was not
necessary). I really got tired of
hearing about Dave’s poison garden (and it was not used in the murder). The chapters are very short and choppy (it
was annoying). I hope the next book in A Mainely Needlepoint Mystery series is better. It is Tightening the Threads and will be out in March 2017.

May all of you have a relaxing evening. We need to get in all the rest we can before the busy holiday season is upon us. I am reading Search for the Dead by Sheila Connolly (I had to finish another book last night before I could start this one). See you tomorrow. Take care and Happy Reading!

Can you believe it is the last Friday in October? The month has gone by so quickly. I want to tell you about a new novel by Barbara Hinske. It is called The Christmas Club and it will be available on November 1 on Amazon. Also coming out November 1 is Faithful by Alice Hoffman.

The Graces by Laure Eve is a
young adult novel about River and her obsession with the family called The
Graces. River (the name she gave
herself) and her mother just moved to town.
Her mother thought they needed a new start after the dad took off (well,
he just disappeared). At her new school,
there are three students that intrigued her.
Summer, Thalia, and Fen Grace.
People call them witches and River is instantly intrigued. She wants proof and would also like to date
Fen. She finds a way to get noticed and
get invited into the inner circle. Will
it be all she hoped for? What happens
when it all goes away?

The Graces reads more like
River’s diary. We get subjected to
River’s thoughts and feelings (normal teenage angst). It is the typical drivel of a teenager
attracted to a boy and who wants to be with the in people. I found it to be very boring and hard to
read. This blurb made this book sound
like a thriller (not even a hint of thrill).
Instead I am trying to keep my eyes open and finish it (this is where my
speed reading skills come in handy). I
give The Graces 2 out of 5 stars. It had
potential, but it was not fulfilled.

I hope everyone has a fantastic Friday! I will be back later with another one of my honest reviews. If you enjoy my book evaluations, please consider becoming a follower (at right). Take care and Happy Reading!KrisThe Avid Reader

Thursday, October 27, 2016

Happy Thursday! I hope everyone is having a great day. I want to tell you about a new book that came out today. It is Search for the Dead by Sheila Connolly. It is the fifth book in the Relatively Dead Mysteries. If you have not read any of the novels in this series, you should definitely check it out. I have been impatiently waiting for this book (I will be up late tonight)!

Shadow Silence by Yasmine Galenorn is the second book in the Whisper Hollow series. Kerris Fellwater is spirit shaman, and she is
responsible for getting the dead to pass over.
Kerris left Whisper Hollow when she was eighteen and did not return for
fifteen years (because of abusive grandfather).
Kerris has returned to take over for her Grandmother Lila who passed
away. Kerris is learning her job with
the help of Grandma Lila’s journal. She
also has help from Bryan, her protector, guardian, and boyfriend. Kerris’ friend, Peggin has to find a new
place to live. She has decided to buy a
beautiful old Victorian in the Foggy Downs subdivision. There are ten houses but only two of them are
occupied. It is dangerous to live there
because of the Lady. The Lady lives in
the nearby lake and she devours souls.
Her siren song lures them to the lake where the Lady captures them. Kerris tries to talk Peggin out of buying the
house, but she is determined (even though the Lady has been very ravenous of
late). Others tell Kerris to stop trying
to talk Peggin out of her purchase (they all should be trying to talk Peggin
out of buying this house). So Kerris
reluctantly helps Peggin move into her new home. Soon Peggin disappears (it is the same day)
and they frantically look for her.
Kerris, Bryan, and Dr. Divine (Peggin’s boyfriend) see her on the pier
and then are running to save her from the Lady. They are able to rescue her from the Lady,
but Peggin has been marked. The Lady is
angry that she was thwarted and she will not be stopped. Can Kerris and her friends save Peggin from
the Lady?

I had a hard time reading Shadow Silence. It took me three days to work
my way through this novel (I normally finish a book in just a few hours). This book sounded so interesting, but I found
it to be extremely predictable. Why
would you buy a house near the lake? And
then are shocked when the Lady lures you in?
Shadow Silence can be read alone.
All the information from the first book, Autumn Thorns is rehashed in
Shadow Silence. The author repeats the
same information over and over (for example that Bryan’s her boyfriend and
lover; that she was gone for fifteen years; Dr. Divine and his sculptures that
come to life). The writer is very
descriptive. She describes everything in
extreme detail. I never connected with
the characters in this book especially Kerris.
I give Shadow Silence 2 out of 5 stars.
I told you about the main storyline, but there are several side stories
going on. There are many characters in
the book (I could not keep track of all of them). I should mention the foul language and
explicit sex scenes (this book should be X-rated). I will not be continuing with the Whisper
Hollow series.

I am off to enjoy my evening. Thank you so much for stopping by and reading my review. I hope all of you have a lovely, relaxing night. Take care and Happy Reading!

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

I hope all of you have had a delightful Tuesday. I was kept busy with housework, review writing, and cookie baking. My mother does love her cookies (I do not eat cookies). My children (the dogs) love peanut butter cookies. I bake them organic cookies for their treat (they have to perform a trick to get one).

From This Day Forward by Lauraine Snelling is the conclusion to Song of Blessing series. Deborah MacCallister is the head nurse at the
hospital in Blessing, North Dakota.
Deborah also handles many of the administrative tasks. Deborah is helping Anji and Thomas Devlin to
get ready for their wedding and she wonders if she will ever get married. Deborah is twenty-five and has been in love
with Toby Valders since they were in school.
But Deborah is not sure that Toby reciprocates her feelings. The town is growing by leaps and bounds. The only problem is lack of help. They need more workers to help with the
construction. The high school needs a
new teacher and Jonathon recommends his cousin, Anton Gendarme. Anton is a handsome fellow and the ladies in
town decide to fix him up with Deborah. They
go out of their way to push the two of them together. Deborah enjoys Anton’s company, but her heart
belongs to Toby. Toby is extremely busy
with the new building projects and only has time to sleep. Deborah decides to help him out by leaving
him food and doing his laundry. Toby
starts leaving little notes for Deborah (its progress). Then Deborah leaves town for some long
overdue training. Will Toby realize that
his future belongs with Deborah? Read
From This Day Forward to see how Ingeborg Bjorklund, her family, and friends
are faring in Blessing.

From This Day Forward had a
slower pace than the other novels in the series. It is mostly about the daily lives of the
Bjorklund family and friends in Blessing.
We get to see how everyone is faring in Blessing and get a nice
conclusion to the series. The book was
just not as special as Lauraine Snelling’s other novels (she can do so much
better). It is hard to pinpoint but
something was missing. The book is
well-written, but I found the book to be predictable. I give From This Day Forward 3 out of 5
stars. I thought too much time was
devoted to Deborah thinking about Toby, her life, what was Toby thinking, is
Anton the right guy for her, Toby versus Anton, etc. I wanted to shake Deborah and tell her to grow
up (put on her big girl panties and go talk to Toby). There is also quite a bit of time devoted to prayer
(several times each chapter). Prayer is
wonderful and essential in life (my personal feelings), but it seemed more like
filler in the book. The novel was longer
than it needed to be. I felt is needed
some editing and it would have made it a better book. From This Day Forward is not a stand-alone
novel. If you try to read this book
without having enjoyed the other novels in the series, you will be lost. You would also need to read more than the
book in the Song of Blessing series. You
would need to go back to the very beginning to the Red River of the North series (which is wonderfully written and heartwarming).

Thank you so much for visiting. I hope all of you have a good evening. I hope you get some time to yourself to relax and do something you love (like reading)! I am off to enjoy Arrow, Frequency, Younger, Survivor, Code Black, and Designated Survivor (busy television night). I read during the commercials. Take care and Happy Reading!

Welcome to my blog! I hope everyone is having a great morning! I wanted to let you know that Spare Change by Bette Lee Crosby is free on Amazon (and some other sites) for a limited time. It is the first book in her Wyattsville series. Bette Lee Crosby writes such lovely, heartwarming novels with a Christian theme.

The Crepes of Wrath by Sarah Fox
is the first book in A Pancake House Mystery series. Marley McKinney has agreed to The Flip Side
Pancake House in Wildwood Cove, Washington while her cousin, Jimmy Coulson, is
ill (double pneumonia). She has taken a
leave of absence from the law firm where she works as a legal assistant. Jimmy finally gets released from the hospital
and is at home resting. But then Jimmy is
found dead on the rocks by Leigh Hunter (a waitress at the restaurant) of a
cliff near his home. Did he accidentally
fall down the cliff while walking? What
was he doing out alone? Then there is
the guy lurking around her cousin’s workshop and the stolen paintings inside
the workshop. Did Jimmy steal them? Marley does not want Jimmy’s good name
tainted and, reluctantly, starts asking questions. Will Marley be able to pull out the pieces
together to figure out the puzzle?

I found The Crepes of Wrath to be
easy to read, but it was a lifeless book.
The characters were not fleshed out and given life. This is especially true for Ivan, the
chef. The pace is too slow and some
information is repeated frequently (it was annoying). The mystery was not prominent in the book (at
least not in the beginning). I was 35%
of the way through the book and there was still no investigation. The mystery was interesting (there were even
some little twists), but the reader can solve it. I give The Crepes of Wrath 2 out of 5 stars. It was okay for a first book, but some things
were just off. Like where were the
police? Why was Marley removing evidence
from a crime scene? Marley notices a
clue that no one else found. These are
just two examples. Not everything added
up in the end. The book reminded me of a
rough draft, not a finished novel. The next book in A Pancake House Mystery series is For Whom the Bread Rolls and it will be out in March 2017.

Dying for Strawberries by Sharon Farrow is the first book in A Berry Basket Mystery. Marlee Jacobs owns the Berry Basket in Oriole
Point, Michigan. Marlee opened the store
where she sells berries and berry related items two years ago after leaving New
York (a murder ended her career at the Gourmet Living Network). Marlee is getting ready for the Strawberry Moon
Bash that will be held on Friday when her friend, Natasha Bowman comes into the
store. Natasha is married to Cole Bowman
who physically abuses his wife (but she refuses to leave him). Later that day, Natasha and Cole have a big
fight. Natasha has not been seen since
then. At a business meeting that evening, they find
out that a lot known as strawberry fields has been sold to Taylor Investments. Taylor Investments is owned by Cole
Bowman. If Cole’s plans go through, all
the small businesses in town will be out of business. Of course, it turns out that he owns many of
those buildings as well including Marlee’s (which he is selling to outsiders). The next night Marlee is waiting for Ryan,
her fiancé, at the marina when someone comes up behind her and whacks her on
the end. They then push her into the
water. But no one believes her story
(she had been drinking). Marlee is
worried about Natasha. Marlee feels the
police are not being proactive and sets out to get answers. She starts asking questions (alienating her
fellow shop owners). Marlee then
searches Cole and Natasha’s house for clues.
Instead she finds Cole dead on his doorstep. Marlee has more questions than answers. She is determined to find her friend as well
as Cole’s killer. Marlee is sure the attempt
on her life is connected. Will Marlee
find the culprit or be another victim?

Dying for Strawberries is the
first book in the series, but it did not feel like it. It felt more like a book in the middle of a
series. The reader was missing
information. There is also way too much
going on in this book. It was one thing
after another. Marlee has to deal with her
store, her fiancé, Natasha is missing, Cole’s murder, the development of
strawberry fields, the future of her shop since Cole is determined to sell the
building (he does not like Marlee), Marlee’s attempted murder, the secrets of
the zoning commissioners, and Marlee’s nemesis from New York. The book is easy to read and can be finished
in about three hours (if you just sit and read). I had a hard time liking Marlee especially
after she began her questioning. She was
pushy, rude, and annoying (no one taught her the art of subtlety). Marlee felt she was entitled to these people’s
secrets since someone whacked her on the head (maybe the head whack caused some
damage). I did enjoy the mystery. It was the best part of the book. I give Dying for Strawberries 3 out of 5
stars (the good mystery raised the score).
I am not sure if I will read the next book in A Berry Basket Mystery
series. Knowing me, I will probably give
the series one more chance.

Thank you so much for visiting and reading my book review. May all of you have a lovely evening. I will return tomorrow to share another book with you. Take care and Happy Reading!

Monday, October 24, 2016

I hope everyone had a lovely Monday! I was walking through my living room at about 3 a.m. and heard some noises. I stopped to listen and heard them again. The noises are coming from the attic (which is just a small storage area). Something is scampering around in our attic! Unfortunately, it is my job to take care of it. Can I hope it is a cute little scampering kitten?

Fatal Frost by Karen MacInerney
is the second book in A Dewberry Farm Mysteries. It is mid-December in Buttercup, Texas. Lucy Resnick (who owns Dewberry Farm) is
soundly asleep until her dog, Chuck (a cute little apricot poodle) starts
barking. Lucy gets up to investigate and
sees a shadowy figure outside near the river.
Lucy leaves Chuck inside (not a good idea) and heads outside the
investigate. Lucy notices holes in the
ground before she is hit hard on the head and knocked unconscious. Lucy wakes up quite a while later with a big
bump on her head. Someone is definitely
digging on her property and they damaged her peach trees and the dewberry patch. Someone is looking for hidden Confederate
treasure. Evidently the old treasure
story has been resurrected. Lucy then receives
a call from Quinn, friend and owner of the Blue Onion. Krystal Jenkins did not show up for work (she
wants Lucy to come in and help).
Unfortunately for Quinn, Lucy has other plans. Lucy is heading to Peter’s house to pick up
her new goats, Hot Lips and Gidget (can you imagine calling a goat Hot Lips). While loading up the goats, they smell
smoke. A small white house nearby is on
fire. They hurry over to the house and
Peter (a volunteer firefighter) rushes in.
He brings out a woman and a small dog.
The woman, unfortunately, is dead, but not from the fire (I bet you can
guess the woman’s identity). The woman
is Krystal Jenkins. Krystal recently had
a very public fight with Lucy’s friend, Molly Kramer at the Blue Onion. Krystal recruited Molly’s daughter, Britt for
this strange Church that started nearby called Word of the Lord. They are against the commercialization of
Christmas and protested the Christmas Market.
Sheriff Rooster Kocurek feels that makes Molly the number one suspect
(he is not known for his work ethic).
Lucy is not going to let her friend get railroaded. Lucy starts looking into Krystal’s life in
Buttercup. But someone does not want
Lucy discovering the truth. Will Lucy be
able to find the real killer? Lucy’s
plate is very full this December. She
needs to find a killer, deal with her new goats who have a knack for escaping,
her parents are visiting, her truck is acting up, and let’s not forget the
rogue treasure hunter. Join Lucy and her
friends in Fatal Frost.

Fatal Frost was an easy to read
novel with interesting characters (there are quite a few). I
enjoyed following the clues to solve the mystery. The mystery can be solved before the killer
is revealed if you pay close attention (you should be able to know who it is
after the person is introduced). I did
think that there was too much going on in the book. I did not mention everything in my synopsis
(there is much more). There was just one
thing after another including escaping goats and poison pen letters. Fatal Frost is the second book in the series,
but you can easily read it as a stand-alone novel. I give Fatal Frost 4 out of 5 stars. I liked the paranormal element and wished
there had been more of it in the book.
While I did think there was too much going on, I am curious to see what
happens next with Lucy. The first book in Dewberry Farm Mysteries is Killer Jam. Both books are available on the Kindle Unlimited program on Amazon.

Do not forget that tomorrow is book release day! There are some wonderful new books are coming out (I will post the titles tomorrow). I hope all of you have a lovely evening. Take care and Happy Reading!

Welcome Back! I hope all of you have had a wonderful weekend. I wanted to share a new book with you by Barbara Hinske. It is titled The Christmas Club. It is schedule to be released on November 1, but I noticed it is already available on Amazon. It is available under the Kindle Unlimited program and for Kindle Prime members. I hope you will take a moment to check out this new title.

The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead tells the story of Cora and her life
as a slave. Cora is a slave in
Georgia. Cora is the daughter of Mabel
and the granddaughter of Ajarry. After
Cora’s mother escaped, Cora was alone.
Cora is treated horribly by the other slaves. She gets thrown out of the where she was
living with her mother and is forced to move into the Hob (a house for the
slave outcasts). One day Cora is
approached by Caesar. Caesar is a new to
the plantation. His previous owner was a
kind woman who taught him to read. She
had promised Caesar his freedom upon her death, but she did not keep her
promise. Caesar tells Cora about the
Underground Railroad. The two of them
form a plan and one day they take off.
Unfortunately, things do not go quite as planned. Lovey, a fellow slave, follows them (she had
been watching them). They are going
through the swamps to make capture more difficult, but they did not anticipate
hog hunters. The hunters realize they
are runaway slaves and attempt to capture them.
One of the hunters (just a boy really) ends up dead from a rock. Cora is now wanted for murder. Lovey ends up getting captured. Cora and Caesar quickly make their way to the
first stop for them on the Underground Railroad. They are in for quite a journey. Some of the stops will be quick and others
will be quite lengthy. Will they ever be
completely free or will they continue to be hunted (especially Cora)? Ridgeway is a slave hunter who has something
to prove. Ridgeway was given the task of
finding Cora’s mother, Mabel. He was
never able to capture her. Ridgeway is
very determined to return Cora to her owner.
To find out what happens to Cora and Caesar, you will have to read TheUnderground Railroad.

The Underground Railroad is a very dark novel.
The majority of the novel focuses on Cora (poor Caesar). I found the writing to be awkward and
difficult to read (I just did not like the author's writing style). The book
lacks flow. First we are with Cora, then
it jumps to someone else, then back to Cora, and then to another
character. It will also go back in time
to tell you the backstory of the latest character (when Cora meets someone new
on the Underground Railroad). It makes
it hard to read and to get into the story.
I was able to finish the book, but I did not like it or enjoy it
(sorry). You need to be aware that The
Underground Railroad contains very graphic violence. Some of the violence
is very disturbing and upsetting. I give
The Underground Railroad 2 out of 5 stars.
I did like Colson Whitehead’s take on the Underground Railroad. He had tunnels running all over the United
States and actual trains. I was curious,
though, how people above ground did not hear the loud engines of the
trains. Mr. Whitehead did capture the
time and place quite accurately. The ending was extremely dissatisfying.

I will return soon with another review. May all of you have a special day! You deserve it. Take care and Happy Reading!

Sunday, October 23, 2016

It's the beginning of a new week! I hope everyone is having a nice, relaxing Sunday! Aimee Runyan has a new novel coming out on Tuesday, October 25. It is Duty to the Crown and is the second book in Daughters of New France Series. The first book in the series Promised to the Crown was very good. I am looking forward to reading the second installment.

Curious Minds by Janet Evanovich is
A Knight-Moon Novel (first book in a new series). Riley Moon has just graduated Harvard Business
and Harvard Law and has landed her dream job as a junior analyst at
Blane-Grunewald in Washington, D.C. The
second week on the job her boss Werner assigns her to Emerson Knight. Emerson Knight lives in Mysterioso Manor and
is very eccentric. The bank has sent him
numerous requests to visit since the death of Emerson’s father, but he has
ignored each and every one of them. So,
the bank sends Riley to Emerson. Riley
is actually glad to get away from the office.
Her boss is slightly smarmy and keeps calling her “Moonbeam”. Emerson presents Riley with an unusual
request. He wants his gold (he owns
actual gold bars). Riley explains that
it is not that easy. So, Emerson will
settle for seeing his gold and he would like a meeting with Gunter
Grunwald. Emerson’s simple requests turn
out to be not so simple. Gunter has
disappeared. There is also money missing
from six clients (Emerson is one of them).
Riley and Emerson set out to get answers. They are in for one thrilling and dangerous
adventure.

Curious Minds had some snippets
that I liked, but, for the most part, I did not enjoy Curious Minds. It was too silly to be enjoyable. We have an extremely eccentric
millionaire. Emerson wears Converse
sneakers (I liked that part), sleeps in a tent in the library, the weird house,
the various zoo animals, extremely brilliant, etc. Emerson is many various characters slapped
together (Sherlock Holmes for one and Richey Rich is another—I am dating myself
with this reference). Let us not forget
his Aunt Myra and the pet armadillo. I
found the characters to be flat. If there is supposed to be chemistry between
Riley and Emerson, I did not feel it.
The “mystery” is no mystery. It
is a storyline that must play out (we are not given the opportunity to solve
the mystery). We follow Riley and
Emerson as they investigate the gold issue and the bad bank men (another cliché). I was very disappointed by Curious Minds. It is not my type of story. I prefer more serious mystery novels (with a
mystery that I can try and solve). I am
just not a fan of slap stick comedy (I do not like the Three Stooges
either). I give Curious Minds 2 out of 5
stars. I will be steering clear of this
series in the future.

I want to thank you for reading my latest review. I appreciate it. I am off to enjoy some Chinese food. I do not have to cook this Sunday (all of us our sick). I finally found a great Chinese restaurant in my town. The food is fabulous. I will see you tomorrow for my review of Fatal Frost by Karen MacInerney. Have a delightful evening, take care and Happy Reading!Kris The Avid Reader

Saturday, October 22, 2016

Happy Saturday! I hope everyone is having a lovely fall day. It was actually a little cool last night (which means high 60s). It was just wonderful. It has been so long since we have had cool weather. In Florida it means we switch out the tank top for a t-shirt! My Siberian Husky, Wolfie is reveling in the coolness outside!

Teetotaled by Maia Chance is the
second book the Discreet Retrieval Agency Mysteries. Lola Woodby is a thirty-one-year-old widow
living in New York. Lola has started the
Discreet Retrieval Agency with Berta Lundgren (a former cook). They have not had much luck in finding paying
cases. If they do not get some money
soon, they will out on the street. Luck comes
through their door in the form of Sophronia Widdle, a New York society lady,
who wishes the ladies to retrieve her daughter’s diary (she wants to know what
her daughter is up to). Her daughter,
Grace is very protective of her diary.
She keeps the older versions in a safe in her room and the current book
does not leave her side (at night she keeps it under her pillow). Grace is currently spending the week before
her wedding to Gilbert Morris at Willow Acres (a health farm). Lola calls her brother-in-law, Dr. Chisholm
Woodby (who will soon be marrying Lola’s sister, Lillian) who runs Willow Acres
to get them two rooms. Lola and Berta
believe they can get the diary quickly and head back home (because the food
leaves something to be desired). Unfortunately,
you know what they say about best laid plans!
Locked rooms and a diligent nurse keep them from getting the diary
during the first two days of their stay.
Then their target, Grace flies the coop.
She has decided to elope and thwart her mother. Lola and Berta are about to pack up and head
home when they hear a scream. Muffy
Morris, who was to be Grace’s mother-in-law, is dead in her room (wife of a Senator
Winfield Morris). After speaking with the
police, Lola and Berta can leave. In the
parking lot is Senator Morris. He wishes
to hire the Discreet Retrieval Agency.
He needs them to find the killer discreetly. The senator does not want any negative
publicity. They take the case and set
out to find the culprit. It is a good
thing they have a new case, because Mrs. Widdle fires them (it is not their
fault Grace took off). Lola and Berta
have their work cut out for them. Will
they be able to solve the case and get their much-needed fee?

Teetotaled is the second book in
the series, and, as I discovered, you do need to read the first book in
series. The author tries to update the
reader, but I was definitely out of the loop.
There was information from the first book that the reader needs to
understand Lola’s situation (not for the mystery though). I found Teetotaled easy to read and it
contained a complex mystery. There are
inconsistencies (a few of them). Lola is
told the doors to the rooms at Willow Acres are locked at night and during the
day. Then Lola is shocked when she finds
the doors locked. This is just one
example. Lola is a hard character to
like. She is a grown woman who is afraid
to tell her mother about her current circumstances (broke and now working as a
private investigator). I preferred Berta
and wished she was more dominant in the novel (she is very much in the
background). The author tries to capture
the 20s feel with phrases from that era.
She tosses them around like confetti.
I give Teetotaled 3 out of 5 stars (it was okay). The mystery was the best part of the book
(which helped raise the score). Teetotaled
was just not for me. I will not be
continuing with this series. The first book in Discreet Retrieval Agency Mysteries is Come Hell or Highball.

Thank you so much for stopping my! I appreciate you taking time out of your day. I am off to enjoy my dinner and finish my novel. I will be back tomorrow. I hope all of you have a delightful evening. There is a new Good Witch movie on Hallmark tonight. Take care and Happy Reading!

Friday, October 21, 2016

The Christmas Secret by Wanda E. Brunstetter is set in Allentown, Pennsylvania in November of 1880. Elizabeth Canning is getting ready to marry
David Stinner on Christmas Eve (which is also Elizabeth’s birthday). They will be living in a cabin built by
Elizabeth’s grandfather and it is very special to Elizabeth. While cleaning out the cabin, Elizabeth finds
a journal written by her Aunt Lovina (she grew up in the cabin along with
Elizabeth’s mother). The first entry
dates back to Lovina’s sixteenth birthday.
Elizabeth starts reading the journal and discovers a startling secret
that will ruin her life and affect others.
Elizabeth only tells the devastating secret to her friend, Helen. Elizabeth calls off the wedding and quickly
leaves town to stay with her grandparents.
David does not understand why Elizabeth called off their wedding. David sets out to find Elizabeth and get
answers. Will David and Elizabeth be
able to overcome the obstacle thrown in their path? You will have to read The Christmas Secret to
see if David and Elizabeth make it to the alter on Christmas Eve.

The Christmas Secret is a sweet
short story (it is a novella not a full-length book). It is nicely written and easy to read (good
flow). It can easily be finished in an
hour. I did, though, find it predictable
and reminiscent of something I have read previously. Once the secret was revealed I knew what
would happen. It is really not a
Christmas story. It is set during
Christmas, but it is a historical romance novella. It is a nice story, but I just expected more
from this author. I give The Christmas Secret 3.5 out of 5 stars. It has nice
messages about the power of love, prayer, faith, and forgiveness.

I am off to relax for the night. I am not chatty today due to lack of sleep! My mother has been up the last two nights, and she is not known to be quiet! She still talks loudly into the phone when talking to someone long distance (we keep telling her that they can hear her). I am hoping for a good nights sleep tonight! Wish me luck. Have a great evening, take care and Happy Reading!

Behind Chocolate Bars by Kathy Aarons is the third book in A Chocolate Covered Mystery series. Michelle Serrano is a chocolatier and part
owner of Chocolate and Chapters in West Riverdale, Maryland. Her best friend, Erica Russell is the owner
of the Chapters part of the store (the book section). Michelle is dating reporter and author
Benjamin “Bean” Russell. They are at the
store when they hear about a body being found at the community center at Green
Meadow Estates. Dylan Fenton, their
intern and a member of their comic book club, gets picked up for
questioning. Dylan gets picked up for questioning. Michelle and Erica quickly jump in to help
Dylan who has had a rough time (a situation with his mother from a previous
book). It turns out that the police
found Dylan’s Green Lantern ring and keys at the dump site. When Erica and Michelle try to get
information out of Dylan or any of the other comic book club members, they are
met with silence. They group is hiding
something. Michelle wants to help
Dylan. The victim turns out to be Faith
Monette. Faith was not a nice
person. It turns out that she catfished people
online (which they found out by downloading a copy of her hard drive). One of her victims is Oscar Fenton, Dylan’s
father. This is not good news for
Dylan. Michelle with help from her
friends sets out to get answers. One
problem is her brother, Leo. Leo’s PTSD
and depression have returned since a car accident (his girlfriend, Star was
with him). Leo is being irrational (and
a little nutting) and has taken to following Michelle (and then reporting her
to the police). Michelle needs to make
sure he is taking his medication and seeing his counselor. Leo is not helping Michelle’s inquiries. In addition, Michelle is busy helping prepare
for the West Riverdale Halloween Festival.
They are helping the Boys and Girls Club with their haunted house (it
sounds delightfully spooky). It is a
busy time for Michelle, but she will not let an innocent kid go to jail. Will Michelle be able to find Faith Monette’s
real killer before Dylan gets hauled out of the zombie jail and into the police
station?

Behind Chocolate Bars has some good
writing, but I thought there was too much going on in the book. There are so many characters that it hard to
keep them all straight (I stuck to the main ones). We get to follow Michelle as she investigates
every single lead. She checks out all
the various men Faith catfished, her friends, neighbors, enemies, etc. We also have Reese Everhard, the idiotic town
reporter/blogger, who I would have liked to put on a catapult and send her to
the next county. I do not believe ever
heard of journalistic ethics (or checking her facts). The killer was expected (aka predictable)
which was disappointing. I kept wanting
a twist that would leave me gasping with surprise (and shock). I give Behind Chocolate Bars 3 out of 5 stars
(it was okay). The characters just
seemed to jump from one situation to another (too much going on) leaving the
novel with a lack of flow. The readers
are subjected to many chocolate descriptions in the book as Michelle makes the
delectable delights for the shop. I
would have preferred more time spent on the mystery. I also did not like the addition of Leo and
his troubles (PTSD). It was not needed
in this book. It seemed like the
situation was added as an afterthought.
While Behind Chocolate Bars is the third book in the series, it can be
read as a stand-alone novel. I am not
sure if I will read the next book in the series. It depends on the content. The other two novels in A Chocolate Covered Mystery series are Death is Like a Box of Chocolates and Truffled to Death.

May all of you have a blessed evening. Everyone deserves time to relax and enjoy themselves (I know I need it at the end of the day). I am currently reading Eggnog Murder by Leslie Meier. I have gotten a wee bit behind on my reading this month. My mother has needed more care than usual lately. I will return tomorrow! Take care and Happy Reading!

Review Policy

If you would like me to read and review your book, please contact me at Doodlesink@hotmail.com. I enjoy mysteries, paranormal, Christian fiction, and contemporary books. My reviews will be honest and are not influenced by receiving a book for free.